Hi my names Rebecca.I'm currently doing a study of religion assignment and i have chosen to do buddhism. I need to conduct an ethnography and interview an adherent of the buddhism religion in relation to the ethical issue of poverty. I was wondering if anyone was interested in helping me out?muchly appreciated

yeah sure. I'm from a Catholic school in Australia doing an assignment in religion. We have been asked to investigate the extent to which the views of adherants in relation to the issue (I have chosen poverty) align with their religion's ethical code.

Its not getting anyone to do my homework for me. im doing an ethnography of how a buddhist feels about poverty which i then develop into an essay which is produced as a multi modal. If you had no interest in helping me answer some questions then you dont have to comment. I'm looking for someone who will genuinely help me. And i do have an interest in Buddhism but i can not interview myself.

alan wrote:Hi BeckyCan you offer a good reason why we should do your homework for you?

If you develop an interest in Buddhism and want to discuss it, fine. But please don't assume you can go here and data mine.

From what i understand, she is doing an ethnographic study. By definition that entails meaningful communication with those whose views and culture are of interest.

"When you meditate, don't send your mind outside. Don't fasten onto any knowledge at all. Whatever knowledge you've gained from books or teachers, don't bring it in to complicate things. Cut away all preoccupations, and then as you meditate let all your knowledge come from what's going on in the mind. When the mind is quiet, you'll know it for yourself. But you have to keep meditating a lot. When the time comes for things to develop, they'll develop on their own. Whatever you know, have it come from your own mind.http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai ... eleft.html

Nevermind Alan, he'd be the first to admit he can be a little curt sometimes.

I'll look at answering these questions soon, but don't have time just at the minute, and they seem quite detailed.

Metta,Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

This is a good place to be if you are interested in Buddhism. Much more interesting than ethnography!But--What response were you expecting? "Buddhists say it sucks to be poor"?I'd say most everyone agrees. If you are looking for an overriding philosophy on the subject of poverty, you won't find it here. That seems to be the realm of economists. Have you read Adam Smith?http://clubtroppo.com.au/2008/06/22/what-if-adam-smith-was-right-about-poverty/

Yes. The weekly (2-3 times), the twice a month observance of the New/Full Moon Days, the annual special festive days.

What is your knowledge of poverty?

This is a wide range question...Personally, through various charitable bodies, I have visited and seen areas where poverty is present, both in rural and urban areas.In terms of statistics and wider opinions that I have read, from my country's context, please refer to these: 12345And here too: Liberation of the Poor

In your opinion, how do you feel about poverty?

It is both an artificial and avoidable situation.

Is this influenced by Buddha’s attitude in the approach to poverty and in saying this do you agree or disagree with the stance?

Bhikkhus, if you develop and make much this one thing, it invariably leads to weariness, cessation, appeasement, realization and extinction. What is it? It is recollecting the Enlightened One. If this single thing is recollected and made much, it invariably leads to weariness, cessation, appeasement, realization and extinction.Anguttara-Nikaya: Ekanipata: Ekadhammapali: PañhamavaggaVSMVMMWBBTBHTWTBTMy Page

I think it is very interesting how Christian adherents research other religions in such depth. There is apparently one who had done a thesis on nirodhasamapatti! Amazing. I do find it mildly disconcerting as well, I must admit.

rowyourboat wrote:I think it is very interesting how Christian adherents research other religions in such depth. There is apparently one who had done a thesis on nirodhasamapatti! Amazing. I do find it mildly disconcerting as well, I must admit.

The ones I've noticed since I've been here, have been from students at religious schools and the questions were vaguely worded and difficult to understand what was being asked, such as "Is this influenced by Buddha’s attitude in the approach to poverty and in saying this do you agree or disagree with the stance?" - huh? I suspect these assignments are ways that students can be reinforced as to the superiority of their own religion. Especially that "survey" we had a while back.